Angelina

Chapter 20

      Downtown Carbondale, Colorado amused Angelina to know end.

     “I like this old town.” She declared.

     I wanted to buy her everything she admired for more than a second but she adamantly refused everything, except lunch. We returned home sometime late afternoon to find Stella in the movie room. She was watching Blood and Chocolate.

     “Interesting movie” She said looking at Angie.

     “I didn’t get to finish it.” Angie told her, with a hint more color on her cheeks.

     “I just realize you didn’t pack anything.” Angelina told me sometime later while we sat on the balcony attached to my room.

     “There was no need, I have things here.”

     “When do you have to leave?”

     “Around ten”

     Her expression became thoughtful and sad. It was clear that she did not want me to leave. I also wanted to stay with her but my responsibilities were greater only because they consist of protecting her.

     “Tell me why you have to go again?”

     “Because if I’m not present when Corinth and his clan arrive questions will arise and a vampire as ancient as he can easily detect a lie even from another well aged vampire.”

     “What did you tell him about cancelling Lextor’s celebration?”

     “Lextor did not want the celebration to begin with so that is what we told Corinth, that he found out and was not pleased with it. Lex will not be lying when he says that passing the day quietly with his family is what he preferred. A lie close to the truth has more effect than a complete lie. Corinth will have very little doubt about this.”

     “It’s rude to just show up at someone’s house without at least giving them a date.” She huffed.

     This made me smile because I knew the real motives behind her words. If we knew the day of Corinth’s arrival, I might not have to leave so soon.

     “Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?” I asked.

     “Sure”

     “Stella may join us”

     “That’s great! I should probably go get ready.” She looked towards the setting sun as she said this.

     “We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready. I’ll tell Stella.”

     I left her and went in search of my sister. I found her sitting at the bottom of the pool with her eyes closed. She did not hear me so I reached down and lightly passed my hand through the water. Stella’s eyes opened immediately and she surfaced.

     “I’m taking Angelina out for diner, join us.”

     She nodded once before swimming to the steps of the large rectangular pool.

     “Rogue” She said when I turned to leave. “Is it okay if I take her out with me sometimes?”

     “It depends on where you are going. Angelina is underage, I would prefer if you do not take her to clubs and places of that nature. To the mall, movies, grocery, bookstore… is fine.”

     Again, Stella nodded. “She’ll be safe with me I won’t let anything happen to her.” She said sighing.

     I gave a small smile. “I know and thank you!”